Guest post by Aisha Kumari, founder of The ClearGivers Platform
Say, does giving to others have a positive impact on one’s own mental health?
***SPOILER ALERT***
Yes! Yes, it does ☺
So, here are just a few of the ways in which giving (of any kind) can boost a person’s well-being:
#1. Sense of purpose
Giving to others provides folks with a sense of meaningful purpose in their lives. (Also please note, that link will take you to an actual medical research paper. This stuff is for real, people!) When people feel like they are making a positive impact on the world, it can increase their sense of self-worth and fulfillment. An additional bonus? When you give to a charity in any way, you automatically become part of that charity’s community. Look out for donor & volunteer events to get your positive glow on with other generous people just like you!
#2. Positive emotions
Research has found that giving activates the reward centers in the brain, leading to feelings of pleasure, happiness, and satisfaction. This is great for folks who are already feeling good, and fantastic for those who may be suffering symptoms of depression and anxiety.
#3. Reduced stress
Engaging in acts of kindness and generosity has been linked to lower levels of stress and cortisol, a hormone associated with stress. When we give something to someone else, our brains secrete serotonin, dopamine, and oxytocin. What are these three chemicals? The ‘feelgood’ chemicals! A release of them into the body floods us with happiness and good feelings.
And that’s not all – giving is also related to lower blood pressure and a longer lifespan. No joke.
#4. Social connection
Charitable giving can help individuals feel more connected to their community and others around them. A sense of social connectedness is proven to promote overall well-being and reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation.
We saw worldwide, record levels of loneliness and unhappiness during the pandemic and social isolation for just this reason – we are social animals, and need to feel like we are part of society for true happiness (for the most part). Volunteering, attending charity fundraisers, or donating your skills all grow your own social connections, and subsequently your own sense of happiness and connectedness.
#5. Improved physical health
Studies have found that people who engage in regular acts of kindness and charitable giving have lower blood pressure, a stronger immune system, and better heart health. While there is certainly joy in helping oneself, there is also a true joy to be found in helping others. Unlock that extra source of happiness and consider how you can start to give more within your own community.
Choose a charity you feel passionate about supporting or a cause you have personal ties with.
More about ClearGivers Platform
At The ClearGivers Platform, we’re all about boosting the health of the community, by creating better supply chains for charities and involving small businesses in a different, revenue-generating conversation.
A big part of our ethos is care, both for others and for oneself. We’re pretty passionate advocates for valuing both types of care, as they seem equally important for a healthy, well-functioning society.
We’re passionate about creating real change for good in our community, and we hope you see our platform as a step in the right direction. Come find out more at www.ClearGivers.org, and get in touch! We would love to hear from you.
The ClearGivers Platform is a gift registry for charities, exclusively supplied by small businesses.
Small businesses sell stuff | Charities wish-list stuff | Donors buy stuff.
Click the links above to find out more, join in and help out. You can follow us on IG or FB (we’re
@ClearGivers). We’re new, small, and spunky, so if you’ve got ideas and want to join in, holler!
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